Firsts and Lasts

This was our first Christmas with baby Kate. I have been giddy since I found out I was first pregnant at the thought of having a little one around at Christmastime. Nothing will ever be the same and that's a good thing. Santa is more fun, Silent Night is more profound, gift giving is more interactive, traditions are more important, memories are more special, family is more cherished. 

At certain times in our lives, the word "last" can lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness, regretfulness, or bitterness. For me, it means excitement. Today marks the beginning of my last year in my 20's. Today, I am 29. 29. 29. I almost have to say that over and over as if to pinch myself to prove this can truly be real. I am not sad or fretful or even fearful - no, I am thankful and just, well, excited. 

I am so thankful for my full life thus far - no regrets - SO many adventures, and ready for even more this next year (I think- whew). Who would have ever thought that I would be living in New York City, with a beyond unbelievable husband, involved in planting an amazing church, with a precious 6 month old daughter!?

Another first this year is my baby brother is playing in the Cotton Bowl. Arkansas and Missouri will battle it out tomorrow morning for bragging rights and memories. It has been so fun getting to be with the whole family and even Rhett during the holidays. He is a celebrity now, you know, so each day is a bonus with him. He told us last night that he had to sign 7 autographs just so he could get from the entrance of the hotel and into the elevator, just to discover that he lost his key and had to sign 9 more autographs just to get down to the reception desk and back up. ha! His life is just not normal now. 

What a great year this has been in every sense.  I could not be more excited for 2008 to be here and all that it will mean to me personally and to our family. 

My focus this new year will be discipline. Spiritual discipline, physical discipline, emotional discipline - discipline with my time, our resources, food, priorities...all of the above. I'm excited. Are you focusing on anything this new year? 

As this is the last day of the year and tomorrow marks the first...

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone and don't forget to cheer on #51 and the Arkansas Razorbacks! 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you have a very special day with your family and friends. We are all so blessed and have much to be thankful for today.

Mom

She is wife to one, mother to three, Cheryl to many, and Grandma to only one (for now).

 Although I call her mom, she is much more to me. She is a servant, she is wisdom, she is strength, she is gentleness, she is selflessness, she is a true example of Christ, she is unconditional and eternal love, and she is a best friend to me.

My mom decided to come to New York, rather last minute actually, when she realized Kate was sick and I was running on empty and there was much she could do to help with this weekend. She will also help me fly back with Kate on Tuesday to Texas as opposed to me having to do it by myself (not that I can't - it's just more complicated). All this to say - why is it that as more time passes by, I realize that I need my mom just as much, if not more than I did when I was younger? 

I am SO thankful for my mom and just had to say that. 

I also realize more and more how big those shoes are for me to fill, and then I realize that I won't be able to fill them as much as I can follow them. What a noble path that is for me to follow. Thank you, Mom, for all of these things and more. I love you. 

Kate napping with Grandma, or should I say Grandma napping with Kate?

Kate waking up with Grandma.

My Sweet Baby Girl

This is the first time Kate has been sick. It is so sad to me to watch her not feel good and feel like I'm so helpless. She has a cold, we think, and all that comes with it. It's just the saddest little cough and runny nose I've ever seen and she can't explain to us what hurts where. Sigh. 

Despite her sickness and her not feeling well, she is still able to look absolutely adorable to me. She even finds a way to smile through it all. 

I love her genuine feelings at this age. Usually when she's fussy - there's a good reason; when she's laughing - I know why; when she's tired - it's extremely obvious. It makes me wonder when and how we develop an ingenuousness of feelings. Why do we feel like sometimes we can't just be who we are, how we are, when we are? I so appreciate, though Kate doesn't feel well, she still gives me that big smile when I kiss her and I know it's real.

It makes me think that I can choose to still smile despite my circumstances and to really feel that smile. That's my goal this week. Even when I don't feel like it - I will smile, I will love, I will listen, I will be patient, I will be gentle, I will be kind. If Kate can do it...so can I. 

'Tis the Season

The Christmas season in New York is in full swing. The streets are lined with Christmas trees - just like you would see in a snow village with the string of lights hanging overhead. The snow has come. The temperatures have dropped. The halls are decked. Santa is here taking wishes, and a few more things have been going on...

 ...Our first "accumulating" snow was last Sunday morning, so I snapped a quick one on our way to church. Of course we walk to church, doncha know, with the stroller and all - in the snow. I might not be able to tell Kate that I walked up hill both ways to school when I was a child, but I can sure as heck tell her that when we lived in NYC, we WALKED everywhere and pushed her EVERYWHERE in her stroller -  no matter what kind of weather! So, there. 

...Kate met Santa -  THE Santa, of course. We went to Macy's and entered Toy Land and I'm not sure who was more amazed...me or Kate. It was truly magical in every sense of the word. I was giddy. In line, it was like a ride at Disneyland with moving and singing toys, snow falling, talking trees, snow villages outlined with lights. Amazing. Of course - our camera died in line, so this is the only pic I have of the experience (figures). However, we did buy the $30 package of a 5x7 and 4 wallets, which are designated for the Grandparents. (just like Disneyland!)

...Our Christmas shopping expedition took place on the World Wide Web - the only practical place to shop when 1) you have a 5 month old in New York City 2) it is 30 degrees outside and you have to walk everywhere 3) you have to ship it to another state anyway and 4) you have no idea what you are getting anyone.  I don't have a picture of this (i know you're thankful), but I must say that we have been getting GREAT deals online by just typing in the company name and "coupons" in a separate window and it's like getting free money! Does anyone have any great deals they have found online and want to share? Is that dorky? Ok, nevermind. But, if you do - I might be interested. 

...We finally received our Christmas tree in the mail, after realizing it would cost just as much for a 4 foot real tree off the street as it would for a beautiful, 7 foot artificial one, that might last us another year and actually fit in the ONE space we have in our apartment. No contest. 

I hope your Season is off to a great start!

If I left it at just this, I wonder what Christ would think of my "experiences". About three weeks ago, David and I met someone who would forever change our lives. Her name is Valia. She is a mother of four, a victim of domestic violence, and is now homeless in the City. She is being housed tonight in a hospital - the second one in just a month. She calls us every night at the same time - looking for peace, looking for joy, looking for hope, looking for a listening ear, looking for love. 

Valia won't have a tree this year. She won't go meet Santa (or at least - I doubt it). She will probably be thinking that her four children, who she will not see, will experience yet another Christmas without her - wondering where she is and if she still thinks of them. She will see snow much differently than I, as someone without a place to call "home".

 How does that change my perspective on this Season? It changes everything. I will no longer experience Christmas without thinking of Valia and the hundreds of thousands in her same position. What are we called to do during this time and onward? Outside of cherishing our family and friends, decorating our houses, playing in the snow, buying Christmas gifts - I would say it is to look for opportunities to be Christ to those around us, first and foremost. That's it. Now, let's go do it. 

5 Months

Yes, our little girl is already 5 months old. I have taken a few pictures this week to document this new stage. She seems so grown up to me already as she has long conversations with me throughout the day, can sit up on her own for about 15 seconds, can roll over from her tummy to her back, can push up higher on her tummy and look around, i could go on and on. 

She LOVES her conversations with Daddy when he gets home from work. This is how they talk - it's the cutest thing! She's like, "Mom - why are you interrupting my story time?"

Kate weighs 15 lbs, 5 oz and is 25 1/2 inches long. She is just about average with her 60 percentile self. Not a bad place to be, but it means she doesn't really fit in the sink anymore. She just "lounges" back and kicks her leg up, like she's just chillin' in the tub. She has quite a personality and sports some definite rolls!

Here's her "american gangsta" pose (she's giving you the "East Side" sign). She wasn't so happy with me putting the hat on her inside for the picture and she made this face. I was laughing SO hard. Like I said...she has quite the personality already! (Thanks, Kimber for the adorable sweater and hat!)

Let me tell you something - you do not want to mess with her in a dark alley way. LOL! Thanks for indulging me - it's another month, and that's a wrap.

Blessing by Faith

On Sunday, a friend shared with us that they are expecting again. The way in which he shared it was priceless and has stuck with me each day since. It would be helpful to understand the full background of this wonderful family and thus you would truly see how profound his statement was on Sunday. It is not my place to share in that detail, but picture this...

A family felt called to come to the City and share the love of Christ to the "nations". They gave up their suburban lifestyle and 4 bedroom house to move into a 2 bedroom apartment with their 2 children and dog (and now cat). In their minds their family was complete, and even if they thought about more children, the lack of space dictated otherwise. All seems well, and then there was a slight "twist" in plans. They are now expecting a third child. 

I'm sure you can imagine their thoughts at this point. Excitement. Confusion. Disbelief. Anxiety. Or as he put it on Sunday, it is a "blessing by faith". Profound isn't it? After a laugh or a tear or both, it is a blessing by faith. Love that. It hit me like a ton of bricks. 

On another but parallel note, our family heard yesterday that Coach Nutt of the Razorbacks is leaving the team after 10 years and moving on to coach Ole Miss. I know it sounds trivial in light of other situations going on in life, but it is still one that hits close to home. He is the coach that invested in Rhett, got to know our family, has been a motivator for my brother in this crucial time of being a freshman starter, and now he is leaving. Just like that. My family is having a hard time with it. 

This news, of course, coming after a win over LSU and tons of media coverage of the team and the future. Interesting, isn't it? There was a "twist" of plans and yet I must say that I go back to the phrase and choose to see it as a blessing by faith, praying that others will too. 

Is there something in your life that you need to claim as a "blessing by faith"? Do we have enough faith to see it as a blessing? Does it take faith to see some blessings? What if those of us in the covenant church of Christ lived life by this phrase? What if this was the first response we had when something didn't quite go as we planned. 

It reminds me of the passage in Mark 9, where the man says to Christ, " I believe; help my unbelief." I find myself at this place quite often. Is there something in your life that is leading you to cry out to God - God I trust you, help me to have greater faith. God, I know you are sovereign and so, I am choosing to see this as a blessing - by faith. I pray that I, too, can respond this way. For I know life has many more turns and "twists" and I want to be able to respond without hesitating... this is a blessing by faith. 

Happy Thanksgiving Day Parade 2007

A dream of mine has come true this week. For as long as I can remember, my family's Thanksgiving day always began with watching the Thanksgiving Day parade and making a yummy holiday breakfast. Well, this was my first year to experience the glorious parade in person and I could not have asked for better weather and better company. (Although - it would have been so great to have my mom and sister with us.)

Our parade experience actually started on Wednesday evening, when we joined the other thousands of people (literally) to view the balloons getting inflated. It is not something we will ever do again. It was brutal. 

The parade begins at 9am every year, and we woke up at 5:30 to ensure we were there early enough to get "prime" seating for our viewing pleasure. We scored a great picnic bench, perfect to feed and change Kate and to save our feet from standing for the full 5 hours. The only downside was that it was conveniently located in front of the porta-potties. Nice. It was worth it to have a seat, though, and it made for some great people watching too!

The parade was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Seeing Santa in person was the highlight for me and Kate enjoyed a few balloons flying overhead as well. We watched it from the Upper West Side, so we left around 11:30am and trekked  back through Central Park, enjoying the fall foliage, managing to still get home and cook up a grand Thanksgiving feast.

 

I hope you had wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your friends and family. Let me be the first to tell you that Santa Clause has come to town!! Let the Christmas Season begin!

In case you're anxious to see more - here's the entire slide show from our Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy!

Shout Out

I have to give a HUGE shout out to the Arkansas Razorbacks who defeated the No.1 ranked LSU Tigers in 3 overtimes tonight (50-48). My brother, Rhett, has started every single game this season as a true freshman and did an AMAZING job tonight! Go HOGS! Congratulations Rhett, Coach Nutt, and the entire Razorback team!  We were cheering LOUDLY from NY!

You can read all about it here. 

New News

There are a few new things from this last week that I would like to share, for some reason. I don't know why, really, but hope you can enjoy them. 

* Kate has found her feet. She loves them and is very close to fitting them in her mouth. How can this be? Who teaches babies this strange act that doctors call "development"? Do you remember a time when you didn't realize you had feet? Don't answer that. 

* Yes, for all of you who asked and commented on the blog below - my hair is new. It is a new look for a new season and I think I like it so far. Thank you for your encouraging words!

*Kate rolled over for the first time. She had a frightened look on her face as she rolled from her stomach to her back and it was so funny to watch. After she "landed", David and I broke out into a loud cheer and she just smiled so big even though - I know - she had no idea what just happened. 

* It snowed today. No, not like accumulating snow, but snow flurries and it was quite thrilling actually. The holidays have arrived!

* David set up a new toy adventure for Kate this weekend and it was fun to watch her "explore". She realized quickly that she can s-p-i-n around. It was hysterical. 

* Kate enjoyed a playdate with her friend, Louise, again today and reached out to hold her hand. She's noticing other children so much more now and it was very sweet to watch her interact with her friend for the first time. Don't they look so grown up!?

* The most special new news is a new addition to the Sullivan family! Samuel David was born last Tuesday and is healthy and precious in every way. He was born in Montreal, Canada, so I have no idea how much he weighed (it's something kilos, you know), but we know he's here and that's all that matters! Welcome to the family!

Now it's YOUR turn. Do you have anything NEW you want to share? :) Come on, it's fun!

Dining Like Kings

Thursday was our 4 year anniversary. I know, I know - for those of you who are at 10 or 8 or 7 years - 4 sounds SO young...but every year is a big year in my book. So, we celebrated for a few nights, rather than just one. Thursday, we had "Family Anniversary Dinner" night and made a yummy steak dinner at home. I made this great fall recipe for Buttercup Squash Soup (not to be confused with ButterNUT) and it was SO yummy. Kate sat joyfully in her bumbo seat and watched mommy and daddy eat what would later become her breakfast. Weird to think about and I'm not sure why I just said that to everyone. Sorry. We said last year we dined "by candlelight and this year, we dined by bumbo". :)

Then last night, we went out to an exceptional restaurant called Daniel. It is on the 'top 10' list of NYC and that is one of our goals - to hit the 'top' spots. I think this is our first. ha! It was amazing...aperitifs and petifores and great wine. Now, that is a good evening.
Along with any fancy schmancy restaurant - there is GREAT people watching and usually good stories. A few highlights were:

* We saw a real life Geisha. Not kidding. That is just the only word to describe her; however, she was not wearing the traditional get-up as seen in the movie or pictured from the book, but rather a sequined number corresponding with a matching head piece. Now that is nice! (We wanted so badly to take a picture, but just couldn't do it)

* There was a "stool" for your purse, but because it was such a treat to be out for a night without diapers and wipes, I went commando - with the BAG, I mean. So, the only thing the stool held for us were the cards that we exchanged and the camera, of course.
* The pastry chef brought us out each desserts in addition to this lovely plate wishing us a happy anniversary. ( I think that makes 3 desserts - wow) So nice and special .
* David thinks he saw a well known billionaire investor, who is frequently on TV and who he's heard speak a few times. NOT quite the celebrity sighting I was hoping for last night. :(

* A girl at a table next to us passed out around 11pm. Not from drinking or anything...just slipped out of her chair and laid gracefully on the ground. The MOST fascinating part of this entire scenario was how the waiters and managers handled it. It was unbelievable. They were like moving in stealth speed, got a pillow and cold cloth for her head (who has pillows at a restaurant - and a cute one at that?), no one shouted or even talked loud enough for even us to hear, no one else in the restaurant really knew what was going on except for those of us watching it close by, and then a doctor happened to be dining at a nearby table - alone - and got to say "I'm a doctor, stand back". I mean - it was awesome. After a few minutes they escorted her out a "back door" into a "lounge" for her to lay down and call an ambulance (we think). No big deal. Everyone kept dining. So strange, but a highlight none-the-less and rather entertaining. I hope she is OK.

* Uncle Dan and his girlfriend, Ashley, babysat and what is better than FREE babysitting!? Thank you!!

Overall, we had a great time and just enjoyed conversation on all that has happened this year and how blessed we feel to not only have each other, but to be on such a great adventure together. The 'together' part - is really what makes it all possible. Here's to another year!

Contentment

Oh yes - the dreaded word that we always talk about, but do we ever really achieve? This week in my Moms In Prayer (MIP) group [yes- I made up that name], we are praying for contentment in our children and in our lives as well. Can I just say that the week I've been focusing on it has turned out to be a stinkin' hard week to remain "content"? Why does that always seem to be the case?

Last Wednesday some girlfriends and I went to a friend's house - yes I said HOUSE - up in Westchester. For those of you who may not be familiar with Westchester, it is one of those coveted suburban neighborhoods just 30 minutes north of the City. It's picturesque in every way. The houses are beautiful, sitting serenely on the bay and with trees - too many to count - changing with the season. It's just gorgeous. We had a great time and I kept saying to myself....I don't need a house right now. We are called to the City. We have more than enough....but, it was still so nice to be in a real house.

Did I mention that we rode up in a friend's car - that happened to be the exact same SUV that we sold just a few months ago? Oh yes - same color and everything. The sweetest friend offered to drive us to the party and it was strange being in the exact same car, but so nice at the same time. I kept saying to myself... we really don't need a car - we live in the City. If we need one, we can always rent one....but, it was still so nice to be in a real car.

Then on Friday night, David and I planned a date night. We had the sitter come and we started making our way to a show, which started promptly at 8pm, of course. On our way to the subway we noticed a girl standing on the sidewalk in a daze. We both noticed her and in our prayer for opportunities to help the weak and marginalized in our City - both stopped to ask her if she was OK and if there was anything we could do to help. Without getting into too much detail (of which there is much), we were with her for the next hour and a half and showed up late to the show. I actually found myself, despite being grateful that we could help, feeling sorry for myself that this was my ONE night out with my husband, paying for a babysitter and yet - we didn't really get to enjoy our "date"...but, it was still so nice to be out with David and enjoy real, adult conversation AND help be Christ to someone who was hurting.

Let's not forget that I had to get dressed...and well, clothes just don't fit the same way anymore. I was overjoyed to put on a pair of jeans from "before" the pregnant days. Of course, there was the jumping and contortion act to get them on and the "muffin top" effect going on...but, it was still so nice to be in a pair of jeans that fit when my name first became Sullivan.

David and I also decided that we need to stay here for Thanksgiving this year. This will be our first year without family for a major holiday. I'm sad. I'm trying to tell myself things to look forward to to make it sound better...but, the truth is, I will still miss family terribly.

I could go on and on. Get the picture? How funny...when we are focusing so hard on being content - there are SO many challenges that prevent us from arriving at that destination. I still don't think I have it mastered, but am thankful that I am focused on it and will remain prayerful over it. I have realized that contentment doesn't have to do with our "needs" but is an issue of "wants". Thus, my prayer for Kate and our family is, " Help us understand that contentment comes not from great wealth but from fewer wants."

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Phil 4:11)

Happy 60th Dad!

Today is my dad's 60th birthday!!! I can't believe it. They, of course, are on their way to Knoxville to see yet another Razorback game this Saturday against Tennessee. I wanted to list a few of my favorite things/memories of my dad...of course I won't be able to list them all.

1. He calls every week just to check in and say I love you
2. He has the BEST stories....just ask him!
3. He always reminds me how proud he is of me and the choices I've made
4. How he speaks so highly of my husband and how he loves my daughter
5. That he is not afraid to wear an Arkansas shirt in the middle of NYC
6. He loves to try and speak Spanish to everyone - even if they are not Latino.
7. How He taught each of us to fear God and to be sensitive to His calling on our lives
8. His Godly wisdom, counsel and insight at ANY hour of the night
9. He drove all the way to Waco one time just to just listen to me and help me process a big decision
10. He has stayed married to my mom for 30 years and remained a devoted father in every way
11. How honest and transparent he is on what God is teaching him
12. He is the definition of fun at any event
13. He is an amazing public speaker and teacher
14. He LOVES to give hugs
15. He always sees the best in me and reminds me, so that I can stay true to who I am.
16. If I ever tried to wear something that was a little revealing or "questionable", all he would say is "Do you think you can wear that and be a Godly woman? If not, then you should probably choose something else." hmmm....
17. He is ALWAYS up for a movie - no matter what time it is or what night it is
18. He never meets a stranger (or now anyone who doesn't know who his children are and that he is a Grandpa)
19. His homemade ice cream is THE best!
20. I love how passionate he is about his God and his family

Feel free to mention some of your favorite memories of my dad! I'm going to tell him to read it later. :)

Dad - Thank you for who you are and who you taught me to be. I love you SO much! Have fun in TN!

What's On Your Grocery List?

As I was making lunch today, I thought about all of my favorite food items that I use on a weekly basis and thought I would share what's on my weekly grocery list. In New York, and especially in my apartment, our refrigerator is hardly large enough to have a 1/2 gallon of milk AND fruit, so I go to the store each time I need something and then try to use it immediately. There is no storage. These items are all "must have items". David and I have are also trying to be a little healthier in what we eat, so not only are these some of our favorite "staple" items, but they are healthier choices as well. (I'd like to think that, at least)

Here are my top 10 grocery list items:

10. Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup WITH Roasted Garlic - love this new discovery (new to me, at least)! So good in any soup, casserole, etc.

9. Pepper Jack cheese - I don't know that it's a "healthier" option, but it spices up any dish and we love it!

8. Sun-dried Tomato Wheat Thins - enough said...gotta try them if you haven't already

8. Turkey meatballs - we have pasta at least once a week (whole wheat, of course) and these turkey meatballs are so good, you really can hardly tell the difference! If my husband will eat them - I promise they are good.

7. Chicken sausage - this is a great breakfast item with some eggs on those mornings you just need something heartier. Emeril's chicken sausage in sun-dried tomato and basil or in jalapeno is so yummy!

6. Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips - so good and I figure they have to be better than potato chips. :) Right?

5. Fresh spinach - good for salad any night and it's a great way to have your "greens". I hardly use any other lettuce now. Throw some strawberries and slivered almonds on there...and there you go!

4. Kashi Go-Lean Crunch cereal - love that crunch!!

3. Homemade salsa ingredients- it's so easy...a few cans of tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, jalapenos, black pepper, and you've got such a fresh and yummy snack! It keeps for several weeks and is SO good.

2. Wasa crackers in Whole Wheat - great substitute for bread and goes great with turkey and pepper jack cheese (put a some spinach leaves on there and even fresh basil - YUM)

and the #1 favorite item I must have on my list each week is ...

1. Liberte` Mediterranee` yogurt - fruit at the bottom (mmm...it's amazing!)

What's on your weekly grocery list? Do tell. :)

4 months

I am 4 months now and weigh 14.6 lbs and am 24.5 inches long.

Some of you might be disappointed, because I don't have a halloween costume on, but my mom said it was because I wasn't feeling well and my daddy wasn't feeling well, so she took these cute ones of me today instead.

The Burbs

THE REAL DEAL ON THE SUBURBS!
Are you thinking about moving to the suburbs? If so, then come join **** at this tell all session of what the suburbs is REALLY like! You will hear first hand the real deal on the suburbs from a panel of four moms, all former Manhattan moms who have moved out to the suburbs within the last few years. There will be a representative from New Jersey, Long Island, and two from Westchester to give you the whole scoop! They will be brutally honest and will tell you the pros/cons of moving to the burbs! Come armed with all of your questions...they are ready for you! *********************************************************************** Why does this make me laugh SO hard?! This is a mom group that I've visited several times, when they've had classes for "sleeping" and guest speakers or authors. But, this one just makes me laugh and I kind of want to go and just see what it is they are going to talk about. I grew up in "The Burbs" and I turned out alright. They act like it's another planet or something. Just had to share.

Please Read and Pass Along

You may already know about this, but I just learned about a kids movie coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. It's called The Golden Compass, and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia). Please follow this link, and then pass it on. From what I understand, the hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas. The quotes from the author sum it all up. I'm going to tell everyone about this movie.

http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

We, as the Jesus community, should not be surprised by these words and actions, but allow it to serve as a reminder that there is always a spiritual battle going on and we, likewise, must always be on our guard with faith and prayer. Join with me.

Playdate for Kate

Kate: Hi, my name is Kate. What's yours?
Louise: My name is Louise. My mom and your mom are friends.
Kate: I know. My mom said that we are just one week apart, exactly.
Louise: Yea and born with the same doctor and in the same room.
Kate: That's freaky. Did you know our mom's are both from Texas too?
Louise: Yea. That's a crazy place. Have you been to visit?
Kate: Oh yes. My mom and dad and I were there for two weeks. It's good to be back.
Louise: Do you want to get some lunch now?
Kate: Sure. M-O-M....I'm ready to eat.

Reflection

Today is the third day that I am officially a stay-at-home mom. It has been a good week, for the most part, and I have prayed that each day is lived on mission and with eternal purpose. It's strange not having to be somewhere at a certain time and not having to answer to someone, so to speak. Although the more I think about it - how many times was I working in corporate america, and it was just another day I did my job and really didn't live intentionally even though I was "employed"? Hmmm...something to think about.

Well, this morning I met with a few other mothers, as we are starting a weekly morning prayer time. We are going to focus on praying scripture over our children and praying for Godly characteristics to be formed in their lives. Of course, we play an integral part in that, don't we? I can't pray that Kate be compassionate, if I am not a compassionate person and example for her.

After our coffee/prayer time, I went and bought a mirror for Kate. She is at the stage that she LOVES to see herself in the mirror. Interesting isn't it? That's actually a developmental stage - to love looking at yourself in the mirror. I mean she LOVES it. It doesn't matter if she is screaming or tired or hungry...it ALWAYS makes her stop and just smile or cackle when she realizes she's seeing herself or even her mommy through this mirror.
It made me think today, as I watched her, that my prayer is for her to always love what she sees in that reflection. That she knows she is beautiful no matter what and that she knows what reflection we are put on this earth to show to others. That at a certain time in her life, as God pursues her heart - that soon He will be that reflection.

My dear friend, Jes Looney, told me last week as she affirmed my decision to stay home with Kate, "Shawna, you have been given the responsibility to be Jesus to Kate, not someone else." What powerful words. What a powerful description of my "job" now and what a glorious, yet demanding responsibility that I will never master, but a goal I will always work towards with His grace and wisdom. That has stuck with me every day since that conversation, and will continue to forever. That's what it's all about. That's the reflection I want Kate to see. That's the reflection I want to see for myself.

What do you see? What do you want to see? Just something to think about.

Good To Be Back

This morning I was struck with an overwhelming feeling of "it's so good to be back". It's not often I have that feeling when leaving family and friends...but this time, it really was so good. I am giddy. It's beautiful outside right now. Fall is in the air and you can't miss it.

Kate and I went to the park today for our morning ritual "walk around the loop". Today is extra beautiful. Leaves are falling. Children playing and laughing in their little coats. Mums planted around in bright colors. Pumpkin decor lining the streets. I love this time of year. It's good to be back.

Full O' Friends

I just got back from our 2 week trip to Texas and it was FULL, as usual. We really packed it all in and it was SO good to see everyone. Over the past few years, I have worked on making friends in a new state, keeping in touch with old friends, questioned what kind of friend I am,wrestled with the "definition of a friend", and I can honestly say that my life is so full of true friends and I am beyond thankful.

During these few weeks, I have:

* Stayed up until 2:30am just visiting about life and love and all that tends to follow, with a dear friend.

* Laughed until tears came out of my eyeballs, as we told countless stories of growing up in good ol' Rockwall with a group of friends. Some of us have known each other from 2nd grade and beyond. Love that!
* Visited about the past 10 years with my senior class at our VERY successful high school reunion.
* Sat outside and enjoyed lunch for hours with my girlfriends and their moms and our kids.
* Shared grief as I cried with my closest girlfriends at the loss of her dad, unexpectedly, last weekend.
* Driven 3 hours to visit 4 hours with my special college friends and roommate
* Been able to see and hold my college friend's adorable 4 day old daughter, while watching all of our children play together. (minus a few in this pic)
*Visited with my sister and best friend ,while she loved on baby Kate.
I am back in the City now with my best friend and husband and I can't help but feel that my life is just so full. Friends have a way of making you feel that way, you know. Thank you, friends, for enriching my life these past few weeks. I consider myself extremely blessed to call you true friends.

I now know my definition of a true friend: someone who you can be yourself with - good or bad - for years and years, through differences and distances. It is someone to live life with; someone who evolves with you through it all and never gives up or leaves. I am thankful for more than one who I call friend.

I miss you ALL already. Thank you for the wonderful memories! :)